West Chicago man injured in accidental firearm discharge

WEST CHICAGO – A 31-year-old West Chicago man was injured June 4 when a member of St. Charles Sportsman's Club accidentally discharged his firearm at the club, according to a news release from the Kane County Sheriff's Office.

Several people were injured at the club, located at 44W471 Keslinger Road, when a 69-year-old St. Charles man was preparing to put away his 12-gauge shotgun and inserted a live shotgun round into the gun, instead of a snap cap, according to police. A snap cap allows users to test the function of a gun without firing or damaging the firearm.

He then pulled the trigger while the gun was pointed at the floor, causing buckshot to hit the floor and bounce up, hitting several people in the clubhouse, according to the release.

Three individuals, including the West Chicago man, were transported to Delnor Hospital, 300 Randall Road in Geneva, with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police. The other two included a 60-year-old Somonauk man and a 14-year-old Geneva boy.

About seven people, including the gun owner, were treated and released at the scene, according to the release.

Based on police officials' initial investigation, the incident appears accidental, and no charges are expected to be filed, according to police.